Wow, comparing a team that is predicted to miss the playoffs or barely make it, to the 2001 Kings is shocking to say the least... Chris Webber and Vlade Divac are 2 of the best passing big men ever, with the likes of Sabonis, Chamberlain, Shaq, etc. They could make extremely crisp, passes, from any angle, no matter how small the gap...thats why the Kings under RA flourished there. Then on top of that, both of them could post up when the offense slowed down, both had 20 ft jumper range, and would knock down the occasional 3 pointer. Then, you have a point guard who knows how to run a team decently well, and can score off the ball, and has very nice touch from 3 point range. His backup, former 6th man of the year Bobby Jackson who was capable of putting up 20 points on any given night if he's on. Doug Christie was a solid 2 guard that could shoot, handle the ball, and play tough man defense. Peja and Hedo could shoot lights out, and back then, Peja could drive as well. Hedo was also decent at driving to the basket. Off the bench, you had hustle guys like Pollard and Gerald Wallace. That was a great team, who underachieved. Missed 14 free throws in Game 7 vs. the Lakers, otherwise they would've been champs that year. The ONLY player on the ROckets thats proven anything in this league is Yao, Tmac, Battier, and Scola. Yao is out, so he's not in the discussion. We won't know when Tmac will come back, but he's a proven scorer/playmaker/defender at a top level in this league. Battier has proven to be a solid to very good defender in this league. Scola has proven himself internationally (MVP's in Spain) and has produced in scoring, rebounding, and pure hustle in the NBA. Aaron Brooks is proven to be quick and fast, but hasn't been consistent in anything else yet. Ariza was a role player on a Lakers team that featured Kobe, Gasol, Odom, FIsher, Bynum...lets see how he handles a bigger role. Also, I HIGHLY doubt Ariza plays shooting guard, unless its out of necessity due to injuries...he doesn't have shooting guard skills. David Anderson hasn't played a game in the NBA yet, and his stats overseas isn't impressive either. Basically, the ROckets team for the most part, is unproven...lets see what they can do...don't draw assumptions/conclusinos, otherwise you may be very disapointed
i just hope that his rehab is right on track and that Tim Grover would help TMAC get more lean and lose that body fat of his. TMACs last trainer helped TMAC build that upper body but i think he looks chubby..TMACs last trainer looked that way too... but w/ T.G....the MJ's kobe and wade under his belt they all were in good physical shape and were very lean.
Vlade Divac ? David Anderson (Divac could pass and we shall see what Anderson brings) Chris Webber > Luis Scola (Cwebb was a beast at midrange, Scola has been off and on at midrange) Peja Stojakavic > Battier (Peja could shoot lights out, Battier is on the decline) Doug Christy = Trevor Ariza (almost the same player at different positions, slight edge to Ariza b/c he has a ring and is still young) Mike Bibby > Aaron Brooks (Bibby was and still is a good floor gen. and can score at will) =(
havent dropped by this thread in quite some time, but it looks like things are progressing in terms of his rehab...which is somewhat good news
Ok for you to say that Divac and Andersen are equal is just crazy considering Andersen hasn't played a single game in the NBA. Peja and Battier should cancel out. One is an offensive player who can/ could shoot lights out has Battier is pure defensive player with slight shot. Doug Christie and Trevor Ariza equals out. Mike Bibby is 10x better than Aaron Brooks. Im sorry.
Wow... maybe i should rephrase my original comments.. Maybe i could have or should have said this team has the potential to ONE DAY be at the level? After hearing yalls comments, my head was clearly in the "clouds" lol. I think AB's got a lot of potential considering he still hasnt had a full season as a starter yet. I think Ariza's got a lot of potential to thrive under RA's offense. Battier is just Battier; he is what he is and will bring the defensive intensity. Scola hasnt had the opportunity to lead the team and i think he'll get a chance this yr and i think he can thrive. Anderson...time will tell, but he's got the range that Vlade had. I dont know enough about his passing, but we all know his defense is going to be the weakest part of his game. So back tracking on my original statement... this team...AS-IS has POTENTIAL.
From what we know it's possible. But even if he does show up for camp he's going to be the one to determine when he ultimately plays. I think he's made that abundantly clear. As much as I still resent his attitude, I do think he and Rockets management need to find a way to stay on the same page until February.
he'll be ready physically. but mentally and basketball rhythm-wise, i prefer he hold off for another month even if he was ready. practice first.
